By: Courtney Eberhard
Explore the best DNA testing kits of 2025 and find a thoughtful holiday gift for anyone curious about their roots or family story.
If you’ve ever wondered what to give the family historian who already has everything, we’ve got you covered. FamilyTreeDNA has been leading the way in genetic genealogy for over 25 years, offering trusted DNA testing kits that reveal the people and places behind every family story. Whether your loved one wants to explore both sides of their ancestry or dig deeper into their maternal or paternal lines, this guide will help you find the perfect match.
Whether you’re shopping for a curious beginner or a lifelong researcher, these FamilyTreeDNA gift ideas make it easy to find the right test for every story.
Family Ancestry DNA Test
Family Finder is our most popular DNA test for a reason. It helps you explore both sides of your family tree, connect with DNA matches, and uncover the origins that make your story unique.
Best for:
Anyone curious about their family’s origins or looking to connect with relatives on both sides of their family tree.
Why it made our list:
Family Finder is our most popular DNA test because it offers a complete picture of your ancestry, all in one simple swab. It’s beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for serious family historians.
Key features:
- Detects genetic autosomal matches within five to seven generations to help you grow your family tree.
- Includes myOrigins®, Chromosome Painter, and ancientOrigins® for detailed ancestry breakdowns.
- Offers a Y-DNA haplogroup prediction for added insight into your paternal line.
- Compatible with advanced tools like the Family Finder Matrix and Chromosome Browser.
Maternal Ancestry DNA Test
Our mtDNA test reveals the maternal line of your family tree, connecting you to women across generations and continents through shared maternal ancestry.
Best for:
Family historians and DNA testers who want to learn more about their direct maternal line. From their mother, grandmother, and beyond.
Why it made our list:
Our mtDNA test traces your maternal ancestry back thousands of years, offering a rare look into your genetic past that autosomal tests can’t provide. It’s an essential gift for anyone fascinated by the women who built their family tree.
Key features:
- Provides a refined maternal haplogroup placement with access to in-depth reports from Discover™ for historical and geographic context.
- Reveals ancient migration routes showing how your maternal ancestors moved across continents.
- Includes geographic origins mapping and relative-matching to connect with others who share your maternal DNA signature.
- Pairs seamlessly with Family Finder for a full view of both sides of your ancestry.
Paternal Ancestry DNA Test
Our Y-DNA tests trace your paternal lineage through generations of men who share your last name, or one that led to it, revealing the deeper roots of your family’s story.
Best for:
Family historians and researchers who want to explore their direct paternal line or confirm relationships between men who share a surname.
Why it made our list:
FamilyTreeDNA pioneered Y-DNA testing and remains the global leader in paternal ancestry research. With access to exclusive tools and the industry’s most detailed haplogroup reports, this test is the foundation for anyone serious about discovering their father’s line.
Key features:
- Determines your Y-DNA haplogroup placement and provides detailed reports through Discover for migration history and branching.
- Connects you with others in the world’s largest Y-DNA database, helping identify shared paternal ancestors.
- Supports surname projects and advanced analyses through resources like Y-DNA Group Projects and matching tools.
- Offers upgrade options to deeper levels of testing. Perfect for genealogists who want to refine their results over time.
Paternal Ancestry DNA Test in Greater Detail
Big Y-700 offers unmatched detail and accuracy across your paternal line, for the family historian who wants the most precise Y-DNA analysis possible,
Best for:
Serious genealogists and advanced testers seeking the most detailed view of their paternal lineage available today.
Why it made our list:
Big Y-700 is the gold standard in paternal ancestry testing, offering unmatched accuracy and scope. It not only refines your Y-DNA haplogroup placement but also helps expand the global Y-DNA Tree—contributing to discoveries used by genetic genealogists around the world.
Key features:
- Analyzes over 700 genetic markers and thousands of SNPs for ultra-high-resolution results.
Provides advanced haplogroup placement and age estimates for your closest Y-DNA relationships. - Generates detailed reports through Discover, including:
- Globetrekker: trace the ancient migration paths of your paternal ancestors.
- Match Time Tree: see how recently you and your matches share a common ancestor.
- Group Time Tree: visualize your placement within your Y-DNA Group Project’s lineage.
- Connects you to others who share your paternal lineage and helps identify your most recent common ancestor (TMRCA).
- Includes all lower-level Y-DNA test features, so it’s a complete upgrade for any existing tester.
Gift Cards for DNA Testing
The easiest way to give the gift of discovery is with FamilyTreeDNA gift cards let your loved ones choose the test or upgrade that fits their family history goals.
Best for:
Anyone who wants to give a thoughtful, flexible gift to the family historian, DNA enthusiast, or curious relative in their life.
Why it made our list:
A FamilyTreeDNA Gift Card takes the guesswork out of gifting. Whether your loved one wants to start their DNA journey or upgrade an existing kit, this option lets them explore their ancestry their way with no expiration date or restrictions.
Key features:
- Redeemable for any FamilyTreeDNA testing service, including upgrades and add-ons.
- Delivered instantly via email or print at home for a personal touch.
- Available in multiple designs and denominations starting at $5.
- Never expires, so your recipient can use it whenever they’re ready to explore their ancestry.
Donate to Genetic Genealogy Research
Support the science behind genetic genealogy by contributing to a Group Project’s General Fund and helping volunteer researchers connect missing branches of family trees through shared DNA.
Best for:
Gift-givers who want to honor a family historian, support ongoing research, or contribute to a collaborative project in memory of a loved one.
Why it made our list:
The Group Project General Fund turns passion into progress. Donations help fund new DNA tests and upgrades for key individuals whose results can unlock new discoveries for entire surname, haplogroup, or regional projects. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the genealogy community while supporting research that benefits everyone.
Key features:
- Funds are securely managed by FamilyTreeDNA on each project’s behalf.
- Donors can earmark contributions for specific individuals, lines, or test types.
- Project Administrators use donations to purchase or upgrade critical Y-DNA and mtDNA tests that advance the group’s research goals.
- Contributions can be made in honor or memory of someone special making it a thoughtful, lasting gift.
The best gifts don’t just sit under the tree. They spark stories, connections, and discoveries. For the holidays, give the people you love a reason to say, “Guess what I found?” with FamilyTreeDNA.
About the Author
Courtney Eberhard
Senior Marketing Specialist for FamilyTreeDNA
Courtney is driven by a profound passion for genealogy, fueled by her personal journey as an adoptee with roots in the LDS church. Through research with FamilyTreeDNA, she has also been able to uncover her son’s father’s indigenous roots in Mexico and provide context for his origins.
In her spare time, she finds joy in connecting with her family and friends during cookouts, cheering for the Houston Astros, and cherishing her role as a dedicated full-time parent.